Don’t Fall for Fiber Falsehoods: Scammers Target US Expats in France
As France dismantles its traditional copper telephone and internet lines, scammers are seizing the opportunity to prey on unsuspecting US expats and French residents alike. The target: your internet connection, and your wallet.
Although France plans to fully phase out its archaic ADSL copper network—replaced by the faster, more efficient fiber optic technology—by 2030, a pattern of aggressive, deceitful marketing tactics has emerged.
Orange, the French telecommunications giant leading the fiber switchover, warns against these scamming efforts, which often involve misleading claims of imminent service cutoffs and even pronouncements that staying on ADSL is illegal. These are lies.
"Nobody’s internet is being disconnected next month," emphasizes Orange. "And there is no law requiring immediate change."
Early phases of the switch are underway in certain areas, but no areas will be abruptly disconnected overnight. When your turn arrives, you will be notified well in advance with specific instructions.
Spotting the Scammers
These deceptive scammers often masquerade as legitimate organizations, blurring the lines between truth and fiction. Be wary of:
- Misspellings and grammatical errors in emails.
- Unfamiliar or unprofessional email addresses.
- Phone numbers beginning with 06 or 07—a common mobile phone prefix in France.
- Logos that appear low quality or slightly off.
- Suspect emails claiming to be from ARCEP (the French regulatory body).
Protecting Yourself
To stay informed about the fiber transition in your area, consult the interactive maps provided by Orange (https://reseaux.orange.fr/nos-reseaux/modernisation-des-reseaux/evolution-de-la-telephonie-fixe-et-internet) and Ariase (https://www.ariase.com/box/carte-fin-adsl).
Remember:
Genuine telecommunications operators will never pressure you into immediate switching, nor will they threaten legal action.
You have the right to refuse any unsolicited offers and to request detailed information before making any change to your service. If something seems off, trust your instincts and report it to your provider or the appropriate authorities.
Stay vigilant and protect your connection.
